I am a fairly experienced photographer who works for a newspaper in Arkansas. I want to start to dabble in underwater still photography, however I don't have a lot of money to put into it. Are there any 'good' film cameras out there in the $300-$500 range? Is so, can you give me some model names, etc. Thanks!
Photographer Wanting to go under...
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When you're talking about underwater photography good and cheap don't go together!
I think you can get an Ikelite Auto35 set up for that amount of money. Check Here.
I've seen some very good photos come from these systems. You'll definitely want a strobe for anything more than shallow snapshot photos. Tthe Auto 35 book has some very good information in it for making this system work as expected.
DazedAndConfuzed
Contributor
With underwater photography, using a wide angle lens and getting close to the subject is the most important thing. One camera that lets you get real close without fumbling with lens attachments is the Bonica Multi-snapper. You can change focus range settings with a twist of a front ring. And on its closest setting, objects from 5" to 16" would be in full focus. There are complaints about the ring setting getting harder and harder to change as depth increases, but from what I heard, they will come out with a new version early next year that uses magnetic switching so it won't be affected by depth.
You can read about it here: http://bonicadive.com/webpages/page1.html
The Ikelite Auto35 has a depth of field from 7.5" to 8.5" in its macro setting. So you can't move in on the smaller subjects or move out on the larger ones, and you need to have pretty good control to frame you subject to an accuracy of 1" for an extended period of time.
The camera/strobe/framer kit could be had for $500 at:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=8234&prmenbr=946
The camera itself plus a pelican case cost $250 at:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2759&prmenbr=946
The strobe itself cost $180 at:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2762&prmenbr=946
Another options is if you have old Nikon F3 or whatever lying around that you don't mind losing if it gets wet (not likely, but who knows,) you could get a Ikelite underwater housing/strobe. This way, you could pop on a 17mm and fit those large structures like walls w/o having to move 20' back. Those housings are expensive new, but could be had for cheap on ebay.
You can read about it here: http://bonicadive.com/webpages/page1.html
The Ikelite Auto35 has a depth of field from 7.5" to 8.5" in its macro setting. So you can't move in on the smaller subjects or move out on the larger ones, and you need to have pretty good control to frame you subject to an accuracy of 1" for an extended period of time.
The camera/strobe/framer kit could be had for $500 at:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=8234&prmenbr=946
The camera itself plus a pelican case cost $250 at:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2759&prmenbr=946
The strobe itself cost $180 at:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2762&prmenbr=946
Another options is if you have old Nikon F3 or whatever lying around that you don't mind losing if it gets wet (not likely, but who knows,) you could get a Ikelite underwater housing/strobe. This way, you could pop on a 17mm and fit those large structures like walls w/o having to move 20' back. Those housings are expensive new, but could be had for cheap on ebay.
AliKat
Contributor
You could also look at the Sealife Reefmasters. I think if you look around, you can get the camera, close up lense and one strobe for under $500.
a Nikonos V or Motor Marine II (along with a decent strobe) to try out u/w photography? As a photo pro... will you be satisfied with a "point and shoot" camera?
If you decide to pursue it, Ikelite can build an u/w housing for one of your topside SLR's (if they haven't already), and you can purchase "flood insurance" to cover the inevitable.
If you decide to pursue it, Ikelite can build an u/w housing for one of your topside SLR's (if they haven't already), and you can purchase "flood insurance" to cover the inevitable.
cyklon_300
Contributor
Resolution isn't as good as more expensive systems, but this gives you a rough idea of the quality you might expect with this type of camera.
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